Ligue 3 Storylines: Fallen Giants and Historic Clubs

Set to kick off in three weeks' time -- the same weekend as Ligue 2 BKT -- the advent of a new, professional Ligue 3 (former National) will add another layer of intrigue to French football this season -- learn more about it with a look at some of its familiar aspects, and learn more about the league here.

Clubs with grand histories...

While the names of many of the clubs will be unfamiliar to fans of French football abroad, having rarely played at a professional level, to say nothing of the top tier or in European football, some ought to be familiar. 

SC Bastia lead the way on this count -- the Corsican club -- known as i Turchini -- have had several long stints in the top flight, with their vociferous home support at the Furiani among the league's most intimidating atmospheres. With players like Michael Essien and Florian Thauvin having made their names there, they're also a proving ground for top talent. A UEFA Cup final and a Coupe de France title mark their proudest moments, but they'll be looking to win immediate promotion after relegation from Ligue 2 BKT last season.

Founded in 1913, Valenciennes is one of France's oldest and proudest clubs, and have spent 40 seasons in the top flight. While recent years have been somewhat unkind to them on the pitch, they also boast a strong history, with Roger Milla and Jean-Pierre Papin among the legends to have written the first pages of their stories in French football at the Stade du Hainaut. Now led by the experienced former Angers manager Stéphane Moulin, like Bastia, they'll harbor hopes of promotion.

SM Caen are the third club likely to be in the mix for promotion, and likely to be known to global audiences. Partially owned by Kylian Mbappé, it's produced talents like French internationals Thomas Lemar and N'Golo Kanté, and is now managed by a former Bleu, Gaël Clichy, who took charge of the club last December. 

Finally, Amiens, who had an impressive spell in Ligue 1 last decade, joined Bastia in being relegated last season from Ligue 2 last year, and have 

...Familar names...

Despite being the third division, there will be some familiar names on the pitch as well. After an itinerant career following a successful spell at Lille, Sébastien Corchia is still playing at age 35, the former French international being part of the AS Cannes squad, where one of his teammates is 40 year-old Cheikh N'Doye, who made a name for himself with Angers in the top flight.  In Paris, veteran Gabon centre back Bruno Ecuele Manga is also still on the pitch for Paris 13 Atletico, the former Bordeaux and Cardiff man providing experience. 

...and players to watch!

Fleury narrowly missed out on promotion last season, finishing fourth with one of the division's best attacks. Much of that was down to the strong play of forward Kévin Farade. The former Paris Saint-Germain academy product has impressed for several clubs at this level and found the net 19 times last season.

Despite a frustrating season with Bastia last year, Ivorian playmaker Alexandre Zaouai will be one to watch for the Corsicans, having impressed in his first season in France. Pacy and able to play through the middle as well as on the wings, he will look to play an expanded role this season under Reginald Ray.

At Amiens, Ibrahim Fofana was seen as one of the club's brightest prospects in midfield, but a cruciate injury saw him miss all of the 2023/24 season. Slowly working his way back to fitness, he offers excellent vision on the ball, along with a reputation for tough tackling. 

Read more:

>> Ligue 3 Explained: France's New Professional Third Tier

>> Bronze & Glory: A look at the weekend's World Cup matches